CATCHING Synonyms: 407 Similar and Opposite Words

catching 1 of 2

adjective

ˈka-chiŋ

Definition of catching

as in infectious

capable of being passed by physical contact from one person to another a cold is often catching before the symptoms even begin

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Relevance

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as in spreading

exciting a similar feeling or reaction in others a catching smile that instantly puts patients at ease

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catching

2 of 2

verb

present participle of catch

as in grabbing

to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly we tried to catch the kitten before she could sneak out the door

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as in getting

to become affected with (a disease or disorder) you'll catch the flu for sure if you don't get a shot

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as in stopping

to bring (something) to a standstill I caught myself just as I was about to step into the freshly poured concrete

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as in securing

to put securely in place or in a desired position caught back her hair with a barrette

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as in knowing

to have a clear idea of I didn't catch the point you were making about our nation's foreign policy

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as in tricking

to cause to believe what is untrue a number of media outlets were caught by the woman's hard-luck story

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as in encountering

to come upon face-to-face or as if face-to-face I'll catch you at the library tomorrow

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as in noticing

to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes I looked out the window just in time to catch the neighbor's dog digging up my flower bed

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as in chasing

to move fast enough to get even with despite the suspect's considerable lead, the fleet-footed police officer was able to catch him and make an arrest

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

falling short

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of catching

Adjective

The Braves gained four years and millions of dollars by substituting Olson for Freeman at first base – even though one of those traded was slugging catching prospect Shea Langeliers. — Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2026 The designs are eye catching and beautiful, inspired by South Florida's beaches and ocean water. — Najahe Sherman, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026

Verb

In 2009, the Borexino detector in Italy reported catching several dozen more. — James Dinneen, Quanta Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026 After catching a pass for 18 yards, Dillon carried the ball twice before hitting pay dirt for a second-quarter touchdown. — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catching

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catching

Adjective

Now, measles – one of the single most infectious and virulent viruses – has recently re-appeared across America.

— Dr. Marianne Parshley, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
Dayoung and Park have infectious chemistry, as they have both always been known individually as sexy and playful performers (without even trying).

— Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of infectious

Verb

The popular set tends to sell quickly, so consider grabbing one while fall-favorite shades like dusty olive, terracotta, and mauve are still in stock.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2026
Sophie Cunningham is grabbing the attention of women's advocacy groups.

— Ryan Morik OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of grabbing

Verb

Tampa Bay used seven arms out of the bullpen, with Casey Legumina getting the start.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
So is controlling blood pressure, treating chronic conditions such as diabetes, avoiding smoking, limiting excessive alcohol use, getting enough sleep and maintaining a healthy weight.

— Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of getting

Verb

Nikki Rodriguez’s character might still technically be dating Alex, but that isn’t stopping her from flirting with his brother after confessing her love in the season 2 finale.

— Kat Pettibone, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Aug. 2026
The flight originated in El Paso, Texas, after stopping at Opa-locka Executive Airport in Miami-Dade County.

— Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of stopping

Verb

Catching the Brewers for the division title and securing a first-round bye to the NL Division Series would go a long way in setting up that October showdown.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Incumbent Kate Lynch retains seat Kate Lynch won the Democratic primary for Wyandotte County District Court judge, defeating a challenger and securing her sixth term on the bench.

— Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of securing

Verb

One staffer who is still at the CDC said much of her anger is tied up in knowing that Kennedy’s feelings about vaccines are similar to the shooter’s.

— Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
There’s a quiet comfort in knowing your neighbors, especially in a sprawling, sometimes lonely city like Los Angeles.

— Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of knowing

Verb

Football is all about engaño (trickery) — looking one way and passing the other, feinting to go left and swiftly moving right, manipulating the opposition and tricking them to open up those little spaces.

— Xavi, New York Times, 19 July 2026
What’s far more eloquent is the episode with the witch Circe (a terrific Samantha Morton), whose habit of tricking and transforming men into animals is rendered in evocatively physical, body-horror-esque imagery.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 July 2026

Definition of tricking

Verb

Nearly 90 industry partners are participating in Northern Strike, according to Wagh, allowing troops to work with developing capabilities before potentially encountering them in conflict.

— Olivianna Calmes, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Still, these owners have dealt with all the pricing and supply chain uncertainties of the pandemic, and are now encountering issues with inflation, tariffs and more.

— JP Shaffer, Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026